Scaffold Deck System With A Float Bar Support For Creating An Opening To Accommodate Obstacles

ABSTRACT

A scaffold including a pair of scaffold frames has a scaffold platform supported by the frames, which is defined by a series of planks and includes an opening. The opening is formed by a pair of transverse support members that extend between the pair of planks at a location between the scaffold frames. Partial-length scaffold planks, having first and second ends and a length less than the space between the scaffold frames, are supported by the transverse support members and occupy the space between the planks other than at the opening. The transverse support member includes spaced-apart plank engagement sections that rest on upwardly facing surfaces of the planks, and a plank end support member that extends between the plank engagement sections. A scaffolding platform system and a method of forming a scaffolding platform are also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser.No. 61/862,235, filed Aug. 5, 2013, the entire contents of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many scaffold systems commonly include spaced-apart vertically stackedframes that are connected together by spreader bars. The frames commonlydefine one or more horizontal surfaces that are oriented to supportplanks or other structures to define a deck or a platform for supportingone or more users at a desired elevated position.

As shown in FIG. 15, there are situations in which obstructions 10, suchas pipes, conduits, etc. are encountered at the elevated location andinterfere with the ability to fully enclose the space between the rails12 of scaffold frames to form a full plane associated with the elevateddeck 16. Commonly, a filler member 18, which may be formed of lumbersuch as plywood or other appropriate flat materials such as metals oraluminum sheet or diamond plate material, is cut and shaped to cooperatewith and be fastened, commonly using nails or screws, to one or more ofthe planks 20. The filler member 18 typically spans between plankslocated on opposite sides of the obstruction 10 and forms an opening forthe obstruction 10 to extend through the deck 16, such that the deck 16defines a plane that is as full as possible around the obstruction 10 inorder to safely support users, tools and other materials in a desiredmanner.

As can be appreciated, the custom fabrication and installation of thefiller member such as 18 is time consuming, inefficient and wasteful, inthat the filler member 18 commonly has limited applicability to otherobstruction configurations. In addition, the overlapping of the fillermember 18 on top of the planks 20 results in an undesirable elevationdeviation with respect to the work surface associated with the deck orplatform. Therefore, there is a need for a scaffolding deck system thatcan be individualized to form a number of deck configurations asrequired to accommodate obstructions that must pass through the deck,and which generates a nearly planar platform surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a scaffoldingarrangement has a pair of spaced-apart scaffold frames and a scaffoldplatform supported by the scaffold frames. The scaffold platform isdefined by a series of side-by-side planks, and includes at least oneopening. The opening is formed by at least one transverse support memberthat extends between and is supported by a pair of planks at a locationbetween the scaffold frames. A partial-length scaffold plank, havingfirst and second ends and a length less than the space between thescaffold frames, is supported by the transverse support member andoccupies the space between the scaffold planks other than at theopening. In one configuration, the opening is defined between the firstend of the partial-length plank and one of the scaffold frames. Inanother configuration, the partial-length plank is one of a pair ofpartial-length planks and the transverse support member is one of a pairof transverse support members. In this configuration, the opening isformed by the first end of a first one of the partial-length planks thatis supported by a first one of the transverse support members, incombination with a first end of a second one of the partial-lengthplanks that is supported by a second one of the pair of transversesupport members.

Representatively, the transverse support member includes a pair ofspaced-apart plank engagement sections and a plank end support memberthat extends between and interconnects the plank engagement sections.The plank engagement section includes an upper wall configured to engageand rest on an upwardly facing surface of one of the planks when thetransverse support member is positioned between a pair of planks. Theplank engagement section further includes a side wall extendingdownwardly from the upper wall, and the plank end support member issecured to the side wall. Each plank engagement section may furtherinclude a bottom member configured to be positioned below a downwardlyfacing surface of one of the planks when the transverse support memberis positioned between the pair of planks.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a scaffoldingplatform system adapted to be positioned between a pair of spaced-apartscaffold frames includes a series of full-length planks configured tospan the entire distance between the pair of scaffold frames, a seriesof partial-length planks, each of which has a length less than thedistance between the pair of scaffold frames, and a series of transversesupport members. When it is desired to form a scaffolding platformwithout an opening, the full-length planks are employed to fully Occupythe area between the scaffold frames to form the scaffolding platform.When it is desired to form a scaffolding platform with an opening, atleast one transverse support member is engaged with a pair ofspaced-apart planks such that the area between the pair of planks andadjacent the transverse support member is unoccupied. At least oneselected partial-length plank is engaged with at least one of thescaffold frames and the transverse support member to occupy the spacebetween the pair of spaced-apart planks other than at the opening.Again, in one configuration, a pair of transverse support members areengaged with the pair of spaced-apart planks such that an area betweenthe pair of transverse support members and between the pair of planks isunoccupied. A pair of selected partial-length planks are engaged withthe scaffold frames and the transverse support members to occupy thespace between the pair of spaced-apart planks other than at the opening.Representatively, the partial-length planks have lengths inpredetermined increments.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a method offorming a scaffolding platform between a pair of spaced-apart scaffoldframes includes supporting a series of full-length planks on the pair ofscaffold frames, wherein each full-length plank spans the entiredistance between the scaffold frames. The method further includesengaging at least one transverse support member with a pair ofspaced-apart planks at a location spaced from the scaffold frames whereit is desired to form an opening in the scaffolding platform such thatthe area adjacent the transverse support member and between the pair ofplanks is unoccupied. The method further includes supporting at leastone partial-length plank on at least one of the scaffold frames and onthe transverse support member to occupy the space between the pair ofspaced-apart planks other than at the opening. In one configuration, theact of forming an opening in the scaffold platform is carried out byengaging a pair of transverse support members with the pair ofspaced-apart planks such that an area between the pair of transversesupport members is unoccupied, and supporting a pair of partial-lengthplanks on the scaffold frames and the transverse support members tooccupy the space between the pair of spaced-apart planks other than atthe opening. The pair of partial-length planks may be selected from aseries of partial-length planks of different lengths, each of which hasa length less than the distance between the pair of scaffold frames.Representatively, the partial-length planks have lengths inpredetermined increments. As noted previously, each transverse supportmember may include a pair of spaced-apart plank engagement sections anda plank end support member that extends between and interconnects theplank engagement sections, Each plank engagement section includes anupper engagement wall, and the act of engaging the transverse supportmember with the pair of planks is carried out by positioning the upperengagement wall of each plank engagement section on an upwardly facingsurface defined by one of the pair of planks. Each plank engagementsection may further include a bottom member spaced below the upperengagement wall to define a plank-receiving space therebetween, and thebottom member is positioned below a downwardly facing surface defined byone of the pair of planks. Representatively, the act of positioning theupper engagement wall of each plank engagement section on an upwardlyfacing surface defined by one of the pair of planks and positioning thebottom member below a downwardly facing defined by one of the pair ofplanks is carried out by initially positioning the transverse supportmember between the pair of planks such that the plank-receiving spacesof the plank engagement sections are aligned with the planks, and thenrotating the transverse support member such that the planks are receivedwithin the plan-receiving spaces. In this manner, the upper engagementwall of each plank engagement section is positioned on an upwardlyfacing surface defined by one of the planks and the bottom member ispositioned below a downwardly facing defined by the plank.

These and other features and aspects of the present invention will bebetter appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction withthe following description and the accompanying drawings It should beunderstood, however, that the following description, while indicating arepresentative embodiments of the present invention, is given by way ofillustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications maybe made within the scope of the present invention without departing fromthe spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting thepresent invention, and of the construction and operation of typicalmechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readilyapparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting,embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a partof this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate thesame elements in the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a scaffold deck that includes openings toaccommodate obstacles, which are formed using a float bar support memberin accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view showing the float bar support memberincorporated into the scaffold deck of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial isometric view of a portion of the scaffold deck ofFIG. 1, showing a first step in installation of the float bar supportmember of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partial isometric view similar to FIG. 3, showing, fullinstallation of the float bar support member of FIG. 2

FIG. 5 is a partial isometric view of a portion of the scaffold deck ofFIG. 1, showing a first step in installation of a partial-lengthscaffold plank for engagement with the float bar support member;

FIG. 6 is a partial isometric view similar to FIG. 5, showing fullinstallation of a partial-length scaffold plank and engagement with thefloat bar support member;

FIG. 7 is a partial isometric view similar to FIG. 5, showing a retainermember on the partial-length plank for engagement with the float barsupport member;

FIG. 8 is a partial isometric view similar to FIGS. 5 and 7, showing analternative plank end configuration;

FIG. 9 is a partial isometric view similar to FIGS. 5, 7 and 8, showinganother alternative plank end configuration

FIG. 10 is a partial isometric view similar to FIGS. 7-9, showing analternative configuration of a float bar support member in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a partial isometric view showing a pair of float bar supportmembers of FIG. 10 installed in a scaffold deck for use in forming apair of openings;

FIG. 12 is a partial isometric view similar to FIGS. 5-7 and 10, showinganother alternative configuration of a float bar support member inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a partial isometric view showing the float bar support memberof FIG. 12 installed in a scaffold deck for use in forming an opening;

FIG. 14 is an end elevation view of the float bar support member ofFIGS. 12 and 13; and

FIG. 15 is a partial isometric view of a prior art arrangement forcreating one or more openings in a scaffold deck.

In describing the embodiments of the invention which are illustrated inthe drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake ofclarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited tothe specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that eachspecific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in asimilar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the wordconnected, attached, or terms similar thereto are often used. They arenot limited to direct connection but include connection through otherelements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent bythose skilled in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various features and advantageous details of the subject matterdisclosed herein arc explained more fully with reference to thenon-limiting embodiments described in detail in the followingdescription.

As shown in FIG. 1, a scaffold deck system 180 according to the presentinvention is configured to accommodate passage of one or moreobstructions 42, 43, 44 therethrough. Representatively, the obstructions42, 43, 44 may be in the form of pipes, conduits, etc., although it isunderstood that deck system 180 may be used in any application in whichit is desired to accommodate any type of obstruction in a work area. Thedeck system 180 includes a number of planks 182, 184, 186, and 188 thatare provided in various longitudinal lengths. As used herein, afull-length plank, such as a plank 182, is a plank having a longitudinallength that is sufficient to allow support of the opposite ends 190 ofthe respective plank by rails 38 of a pair of underlying scaffoldingframes. The planks that are shorter than full-length planks 182, shownrepresentatively at 184, 186, 188, may be provided in a number ofdifferent lengths, which representatively may be incremental lengths.For example, the planks that are shorter than the full-length planks 182may be provided in one-foot increments ranging from one foot long to alength one foot less than the full-length plank 182. If desired,however, the less than full-length planks may be provided in otherlength increments, such as in 6 inch increments. In addition, the lessthan full-length planks may be provided in non-uniform incrementallengths when suitable for certain applications. Regardless of thelengths of the respective plank 182-188, the planks 182-188 aregenerally provided in a uniform width. However, it is also understoodthat the planks may be provided in non-uniform widths, such as when itmay be desired to increase the range of openings that can be formed inthe deck system 180.

In accordance with the present invention, deck system 180 includes anumber of transverse intermediate support members or float bars 194,which are adapted to engage and span between a pair of spaced-apartplanks in order to form one or more openings, such as shown at 96, 98,100 that are configured to accommodate obstructions 42, 43, 44,respectively. In this manner, deck system 180 provides a generally rigidwork platform that is maintained in generally close proximity to theobstructions 42, 43, 44 that extend therethrough. As will be explained,the opposite ends of each float bar 194 are shaped to span between andcooperate with a pair of spaced-apart planks to enable opening 96, 98,100 to be formed in the deck system 180 using the less than full lengthplanks.

Referring to FIG. 2, each float bar 194 includes a center plank supportsection 198 and a pair of plank engagement or end, sections 200 atopposite ends of the longitudinal length of the float bar 194. Each endsection 200 includes an upper wall or wing 202 and a bottom retainermember or clip 204 that define a space 206 therebetween, which is sizedand shaped to receive the edge portion of one of planks 182-188 in orderto prevent upward movement of the float bar 194.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show installation of a float bar 194 in order to form anopening in deck system 180. As shown, float bar 194 is initiallygenerally loosely aligned with the plane associated with the decksurface 210 between a pair of spaced-apart planks 182-188. The float bar194 is positioned such that the undersides of wings 202 can be disposedon an upper surface of deck 210 defined by the spaced-apart planks182-188. Clips 204 are positioned below a lower surface of deck 210defined by the spaced-apart planks 182-188. Rotation of float bar 194toward an orientation generally transverse or perpendicular to thelongitudinal direction of planks 182, 188 positions wings 202 on theplank upper surfaces and the clip 204 below the plank lower surfaces,such that plank support section 194 is suspended between the planks. Asshown in FIGS. 5 and 6, an end of one of the partial-length planks 184,186, 188 can then be engaged with and supported by the plank supportsection 194 adjacent the opening such as 96, 98, 100. It should beappreciated that the clips 204 may be replaced with other structure,such as a spring-clip, snap feature, sliding or rotating bar, etc.,which may provide the same lift prevention feature while eliminating theneed to install the float bar using the rotating installation procedureas shown and described.

Referring to FIG. 5, float bars 194 disposed between adjacent planks182-188 are longitudinally translatable, as indicated by arrows 210along the longitudinal edge of the respective plank 182-188 toaccommodate the desired longitudinal spacing associated with a plank184-188 that is intended to be engaged with float bar 194 in order toform an opening. As shown in FIG. 6, opposite ends 190 of respectiveplanks 182-188 are shaped to be supported by rail 38 of a scaffoldingframe or a float bar 194 supported by adjacent planks 182-188 and/or arail 38 of the scaffolding frame to define the variably shaped openingssuch as 196, 198, 200 desired to be formed in deck 210.Representatively, the ends 190 of planks 182-188 may include one or moregaps 212 associated with facilitating support of a continued run ofplanks 182, 188 via cooperation with rail 38 and/or so as to form thedesired deck size and shape. It should be appreciated that the generallyhook shape associated with ends 190 of respective planks 182-188prevents translation of float bar 194 in directions 210 when arespective plank 182-188 is engaged with a respective float bar 194 andan opposite end of the same plank 182-188 is engaged with an alternaterail 38 and/or other float bar 194 associated with system 180. It isfurther appreciated that a single plank whose opposite ends are eachsupported by respective float bars 194 would be longitudinallytranslatable relative to the adjacent planks until a plank engaged witha rail is engaged with one of the float bars 194 and/or a fastener isengaged between a float bar 194 and one of the adjacent rails.

As shown in FIG. 7, it is further envisioned that each of planks 182-188can include a retainer clip or catch 214 that is positioned proximateeach end 190 of the respective plank 182-188 and shaped to movablycooperate with an underside of the center plank support section 198 ofthe respective float bar 194 and/or rail 38. Operator interaction with ahead portion 216 of clip 214 allows rotation of an arm 216 into and outof interfering engagement with center plank support section 198 of floatbar 194 and/or a rail 38 associated therewith. It is further envisionedthat each float bar 194 can include a cut out 220 disposed at thegenerally opposite ends of center plank support section 198 and shapedto accommodate a respective corner 222 of the respective plank 182-188so as to eliminate any gap between longitudinal edges 224 associatedwith immediately adjacent planks 182-188 associated with thecorresponding float bar 194. It is further envisioned that wings 202 offloat bar 194 can include one or more openings 224 for cooperating withremovable fasteners to secure respective float bars 194 in the desiredlongitudinal orientation relative to the corresponding plank 182-188.

It is envisioned that deck system 180, and the float bars 194 associatedtherewith, can be configured to cooperate with planks having differentlengths as well as being constructed of different materials and havingdifferent end cross-sectional shapes and constructions. FIGS. 8 and 9show examples of such constructions although many others are possibleand envisioned. For instance, FIG. 8 shows a more conventional endsupported metal hook construction 230 associated with the ends 190 ofthe respective planks 182-188. FIG. 9 shows a more standard dimensionallumber-type end construction.

FIG. 9 shows a construction of float bar 194 for use with an end 190 ormedian portion of a respective plank 182-188, which may be conventionaldimensional lumber. Wings 202 of float bar 194 may include one or moreholes 222 that can receive removable fasteners 234, such as screws ornails, for securing the respective float bars 194 to adjacent planks182-188. A center portion 240 of float bar 194 is vertically offset,indicated by arrow 242, from wings 202 such that the upper surface ofplanks 182-188 forms a generally planar work surface. When used withdimensional lumber planking, offset 242 may be generally 1½ inches froman upper surface of center portion 240 to an underside of wings 202although other dimensions associated with offset 242 are envisioned forproviding the desired planar work surface as a function of the thicknessassociated with the planks being used and/or the intended cooperation ofthe respective planks with the respective float bar 184.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a transverseintermediate support member, in the form of a cradle-type float support250. Float support 250 includes a pair of upper wings 252 a, 252 b, incombination with respective sidewalls 254 a, 254 b that extenddownwardly from the inner ends of wings 252 a, 252 b. A transversesupport wall 256 extends between the lower ends of sidewalls 254 a, 254b, and a transverse end wall 258 extends downwardly from one of thesides of support wall 256. The ends of end wall 258 extend pastsidewalls 254 a, 254 b, and form respective bottom retainers 260 a, 260b. Generally, float support 250 functions similarly to float bar 194 asshown and described previously, in that wings 252 a, 252 b arepositioned on top of a pair of spaced-apart planks where an opening isto be formed, and bottom retainers 260 a, 260 b are positioned below thelower plank surfaces. The less than full-length plank that is used toform the opening is then received between sidewalls 254 a, 254 b andsupported on support wall 256. Preferably, sidewalls 254 a, 254 b have aheight that positions the upper surface of the supported plank at thesame elevation as the planks between which the float support 250extends. It can be appreciated that float support 250 is particularlywell-suited for use with dimensional lumber planking such as shown inFIG. 9, in that it defines a channel within which the plank can bereceived. It is envisioned that float support 250 may be formed of heavysheet metal that is first stamped and then bent to the configuration asshown, which provides an economical yet strong construction. As is thecase with float bar 194 when used with conventional dimensional lumberas shown, float support 250 may be positioned other than at the end ofthe supported plank, as shown in FIG. 11.

FIGS. 12-14 illustrate yet another embodiment of a transverseintermediate support member, in the form of a float support 270. Floatsupport 270 includes a pair of upper wings 272 a, 272 b, in combinationwith respective sidewalls 274 a, 274 b that extend downwardly from wings272 a, 272 b. A bottom wall 276 extends between the lower ends ofsidewalls 274 a, 274 b, and includes end retainer portions 278 a, 278 bthat extend beyond respective sidewalls 274 a, 274 b and that are spacedbelow respective wings 272 a, 272 b. In addition, float support 270includes a top wall 280 spaced above bottom wall 276, and which extendsbetween a pair of inner sidewalls 282 a, 282 b that are spaced inwardlyof respective sidewalls 274 a, 274 b so as to form a space therebetween.A reinforcing web 284 extends between top wall 280 and bottom wall 276at a location between inner sidewalls 282 a, 282 b. A pair of engagementmembers 286, which may be in the form of short ring, tube or dowelsections, are positioned between and secured to the facing respectivesidewalls 274 a, 282 a and 274 b, 282 b. The engagement members 286 areconfigured so as to receive plank end hooks, such as 230, of aconventional metal plank such as shown in FIG. 8. In this version,however, the top wall 280 of float support 270 is positioned so as to beflush with the upper surface of the plank so as to occupy the areaimmediately adjacent the opening formed by the float support 270.

It should be appreciated that the various scaffolding deck systemsdescribed above and the various features associated therewith, includevarious features that may be more desirable to certain classes of usersor intended applications than to others. The scaffold deck system 180can be uniquely configured to tolerate obstructions in virtually anylocation within the deck system 180, and do so in a manner wherein theplane associated with formation of the deck is maintained in closeproximity to the obstruction(s). Scaffold deck system 180 can beindividualized such that the respective individual components thereofcan cooperate with one another in a manner that avoids the unnecessarywaste commonly associated with forming a scaffold deck to accommodatesuch interferences. It is envisioned that float bars and scaffold planksin accordance with those disclosed herein can be manufactured in anynumber of ways including being extruded, stamped, folded metal, moldedsynthetic materials, extruded, and/or formed from composite materials,etc. without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

It is understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and arrangements of the components set forthherein. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of beingpracticed or carried out in various ways. Variations and modificationsare within the scope of the present invention. It is also understoodthat the invention disclosed herein extends to all alternativecombinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned orevident from the text and/or drawings. All of these differentcombinations constitute various alternative aspects of the presentinvention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes knownfor practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the artto utilize the invention.

1. A scaffolding arrangement, comprising: a pair of spaced-apartscaffold frames; and a scaffold platform supported by the scaffoldframes, wherein the scaffold platform is defined by a plurality ofside-by-side planks, wherein the scaffold platform defines at least oneopening, and wherein the opening is formed by at least one transversesupport member that extends between and is supported by a pair of planksat a location between the scaffold frames, and a partial-length scaffoldplank having first and second ends and a length less than the spacebetween the scaffold frames, wherein the first end of the partial-lengthplank is supported by the transverse support member.
 2. The scaffoldingarrangement of claim 1, wherein the opening is defined between the firstend of the partial-length plank and one of the scaffold frames.
 3. Thescaffolding arrangement of claim I, wherein the partial-length plank isone of a pair of partial-length planks and the transverse support memberis one of a pair of transverse support members, wherein the opening isformed by the first end of a first one of the partial-length planks thatis supported by a first one of the transverse support members, incombination with a first end of a second one of the partial-lengthplanks that is supported by a second one of the pair of transversesupport members.
 4. The scaffolding arrangement of claim 1, wherein thetransverse support member comprises a pair of spaced-apart plankengagement sections and a plank end support member that extends betweenand interconnects the plank engagement sections.
 5. The scaffoldingarrangement of claim 4, wherein each plank engagement section includesan upper wall configured to engage and rest on an upwardly facingsurface of one of the planks when the transverse support member ispositioned between a pair of planks.
 6. The scaffolding arrangement ofclaim 5, wherein each plank engagement section further includes a sidewall extending downwardly from the upper wall, wherein the plank endsupport member is secured to the side wall.
 7. The scaffoldingarrangement of claim 6, wherein each plank engagement section furtherincludes a bottom member configured to be positioned below a downwardlyfacing surface of one of the planks when the transverse support memberis positioned between the pair of planks.
 8. A scaffolding platformsystem adapted to be positioned between a pair of spaced-apart scaffoldframes, comprising: a plurality of full-length planks configured to spanthe entire distance between the pair of scaffold frames; a plurality ofpartial-length planks, each of which has a length less than the distancebetween the pair of scaffold frames; and a plurality of transversesupport members; wherein when it is desired to form a scaffoldingplatform without an opening, the full-length planks are employed tofully occupy the area between the scaffold frames to form thescaffolding platform, and wherein when it is desired to form ascaffolding platform with an opening, at least one transverse supportmember is engaged with a pair of spaced-apart planks such that the areaadjacent the transverse support member is unoccupied, and at least oneselected partial-length plank is engaged with at least one of thescaffold frames and the transverse support member to occupy the spacebetween the pair of spaced-apart planks other than at the opening. 9.The scaffolding platform system of claim 8, wherein a pair of transversesupport members are engaged with the pair of spaced-apart planks suchthat an area adjacent between the pair of transverse support members isunoccupied, and a pair of selected partial-length planks are engagedwith the scaffold frames and the transverse support members to occupythe space between the pair of spaced-apart planks other than at theopening.
 10. The scaffolding platform system of claim 1, wherein thepartial-length planks have lengths in predetermined increments.
 11. Thescaffolding platform system of claim 8, wherein each transverse supportmember comprises a pair of spaced-apart plank engagement sections and aplank end support member that extends between and interconnects theplank engagement sections.
 12. The scaffolding platform system of claim11, wherein each plank engagement section includes an upper wallconfigured to engage and rest on an upwardly facing surface of one ofthe planks when the transverse support member is positioned between apair of planks.
 13. A method of forming a scaffolding platform between apair of spaced-apart scaffold frames, comprising the acts of supportinga plurality of full-length planks on the pair of scaffold frames,wherein each full-length plank spans the entire distance between thescaffold frames; and in a location where it is desired to form anopening in the scaffolding platform, engaging at least one transversesupport member with a pair of spaced-apart planks at a location spacedfrom the scaffold frames, wherein the area adjacent the transversesupport member is unoccupied, and supporting at least one partial-lengthplank on at least one of the scaffold frames and on the transversesupport member to occupy the space between the pair of spaced-apartplanks other than at the opening.
 14. The method of claim 13, whereinthe act of forming an opening in the scaffold platform is carried out byengaging a pair of transverse support members with the pair ofspaced-apart planks such that an area adjacent between the pair oftransverse support members is unoccupied, and supporting a pair ofpartial-length planks on the scaffold frames and the transverse supportmembers to occupy the space between the pair of spaced-apart planksother than at the opening.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the pairof partial-length planks are selected from a plurality of partial-lengthplanks of different lengths, each of which has a length less than thedistance between the pair of scaffold frames.
 16. The method of claim15, wherein the partial-length planks have lengths in predeterminedincrements.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein each transverse supportmember comprises a pair of spaced-apart plank engagement sections and aplank end support member that extends between and interconnects theplank engagement sections, wherein each plank engagement sectionincludes an upper engagement wall, and wherein the act of engaging thetransverse support member with the pair of planks is carried out bypositioning the upper engagement wall of each plank engagement sectionon an upwardly facing surface defined by one of the pair of planks. 18.The method of claim 17, wherein each plank engagement section furtherincludes a bottom member spaced below the upper engagement wall todefine a plank-receiving space therebetween, and further including theact of positioning the bottom member below a downwardly facing definedby one of the pair of planks.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein theact of positioning the upper engagement wall of each plank engagementsection on an upwardly facing surface defined by one of the pair ofplanks and the act of positioning the bottom member below a downwardlyfacing defined by one of the pair of planks is carried out by initiallypositioning the transverse support member between the pair of plankssuch that the plank-receiving spaces of the plank engagement sectionsare aligned with the planks, and then rotating the transverse supportmember such that the planks are received within the plan-receivingspaces.
 20. A scaffolding deck system comprising: at least twofull-length planks having a width and a longitudinal length that issufficient such that opposite ends of the full-length planks can besupported by adjacent scaffold frame members; at least onepartial-length plank having a width and a longitudinal length that isless than the longitudinal length of the full-length planks; and a firsttransverse support between the scaffold frame members, wherein thetransverse support has a length that enables opposite ends of the firsttransverse support to overlap and be supported by spaced-apartfull-length planks and to be oriented along the length of thefull-length planks to support one end of the at least one partial-lengthplank.
 21. The scaffolding deck system of claim 20 further comprising asecond transverse support having opposite ends that are constructed tooverlap and be supported by the spaced-apart full-length planks, whereineach transverse support is configured to support one end of thepartial-length plank.